Page 36 of Intertwined Hearts

I also knew there was nothing that could pry me away from Hunter. He was mine. I loved him with all my heart. She had lost, and I’d make sure she understood just how much of a loser she was, if I had to.

Chapter 27

Hunter

The seven-day waiting period proved to be quite a rough patch of time. Every possible scenario had played over and over in my mind. I’d been preoccupied while at work each day, and tossed and turned every night. The one thought that left me feeling the most uneasy was the baby being mine. I finally got my nerve up to ask Jackie how that might work, if it even would. She said we’d find a way, which was comforting. Losing her was more than I could comprehend. But I still sensed a tiny bit of strain in our relationship. Maybe I was overreacting, though.

First thing thatMondaymorning, as promised, I received the phone call. My heartbeat sped up so fast it felt like my heart was going to hammer a hole through my ribs and drop out onto the floor. My fingers tapped on the wall, while sweat began to bead up on my forehead. I felt nauseated. After confirming my identity, the words the nurse spoke changed the direction of my life and provided the clarity I needed.

“I’m sorry, sir, but there’s no match in DNA between you and the baby.”

I let out a long sigh. “Thank you for the results.”

“If there’s anything we can do in the future, please let us know. Do you have any questions for the doctor?”

“No, ma’am. Thank you again.”

“Have a nice day.”

I hung up. A little part of me was mourning the loss of my fatherhood hope. I knew I didn’t want to parent with Sophia. But that didn’t stop me from dreaming about a child. I knew I’d want more than a part-time parenthood gig. And I’d want to be with my baby’s mother, hopefully my wife, in a committed relationship.

After inhaling a deep breath and releasing it with a slow hissing sound, I punched in Jackie’s number.

“Hunter, good morning,” she said.

“Good morning, baby.”

“Are you okay? You sound a little down.”

“I’m fine. I think we’re fine too. I got the results this morning. I knew I wasn’t the father.” I was ninety-nine percent sure I wasn’t the father, but the reality of the results still stung.

“I’m not sure what the appropriate response is. I’m not sure if I should congratulate you or console you.”

“I think I need both. I just need to hold you in my arms and know we’re still good.”

“We’re more than good. I’d never have let that come between us. I love you so much.”

“Will I see you later?” I asked.

“Nothing could keep me away.”

“Bye, baby. I love you.”

“Bye.”

Jackie

A calm washed over me when I heard Hunter tell me the results. I wanted to scream and jump for joy. I was super excited, but I heard the hurt in his voice. He’d explained his feelings to me, and I understood. But the selfishness in me wanted him all to myself. I didn’t want to share him with a child that wasn’t ours, and I didn’t want him to feel beholden to another woman. I wanted all of him.

After work, I rushed to the grocery store to buy everything I’d need for dinner. I texted Hunter to let him know I was cooking. But that was going to be just the beginning of our evening together.

We were celebrating our six-month anniversary. It had been overshadowed by all of the baby stuff. The actual date had gone by a week ago, but it was time to exult. I had bought a new CD for the occasion and had it playing. I had everything ready and the skillet hot when the doorbell rang. I tossed the steaks in the pan, then quickly washed my hands before going to greet my man.

“Hi, baby. Come on in and make yourself at home,” I said.

Before I turned to go back into the kitchen, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into him and lowered his lips onto mine.

“That’s the way I want you to say hello,” he whispered against my mouth.

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